New Hanover Co. Sheriff to take over Animal Control

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Add dog catcher to the list of duties for the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

County Manager Bruce Shell announced this afternoon the Sheriff’s Office will take over Animal Control beginning March 1. The change comes after the firing last month of Animal Control Services Manager Jean McNeil.

Sheriff Ed McMahon said the animals are the priority.

“We want to get those animal adopted out,” McMahon said. “Bottom line is, of course, we got dangerous animals, and we’ll take care of that, but we want to get those animal adopted out. That’s a primary role that we want to look at.”

Sheriff McMahon also said everyone’s job at Animal Control is safe at this time.